Freelance writing, Adirondack Life Magazine, pays $0.30 per word (USA)

Adirondack Life serves a region that is defined not by state borders but by environmental, political and economic boundaries. It is the only publication that addresses the unique natural and social aspects of New York State's Adirondack Park, and that gives those concerns local and national exposure. The magazine offers an important window into understanding this region.

In addition to the regular bimonthly issues of Adirondack Life—describing the history, culture, recreation, wildlife and personalities of the area—is the Annual Guide to the Adirondacks, which is sold on newsstands year-round. The Guide's emphasis is on how-to and where-to articles that meet the needs of new visitors and offer in-depth information about an array of recreational offerings. In 1998 Adirondack Life launched The Collectors Issue, whose theme occasionally changes each year—the 2003 Collectors Issue was "The Food Issue"; in 2004 and 2005 it was the Home Issue; we'll do another Home Issue in 2009.

Writers should become familiar with the magazine and can do so by requesting a sample copy. Please send an address label and a check for $3.00 to cover postage. Along with a writer's query we like to see a few published stories. For new writers, the best way to break into the magazine is through departments, which run from 1,200 to 2,000 words. Features run from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 words.

Payment is $.30 per published word approximately thirty days after publication. We are not interested in poetry, fiction, editorial cartoons or short essays of less than 1,000 words. Guidelines for submission of photographs and illustrations are available from the art director.

All work submitted must be the original property of the writer and should not have appeared in another publication. Adirondack Life buys first North American serial print rights.

Facts in all articles must be verified or substantiated in the text. Please double space manuscripts. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with all correspondence.

DEPARTMENTS:

Special Places: Focused articles about unique locations that underline the special character of the Adirondacks. Recent examples include the Red Tavern, a backcountry roadhouse in Duane; Hoss's Author's Night in Long Lake; a timeless family camp in Keene; and Elizabethtown's Deer's Head Inn.

Barkeater: Short essays, from personal to political. Recent examples include a daughter's account of how the Adirondacks soothes her Alzheimer's-afflicted mother; a piece about a couple's love affair with Lake Champlain and a Boston Whaler; an article about companies across the country hijacking the Adirondack brand; and reflections on early-spring birding.

Sporting Scene: Outdoor recreation. Examples include cross-country skiing around Tug Hill; excerpts from world champion downhill skier Andrew Weibrecht's journal; and the challenges of a Saranac Lake race-car driver.

Yesteryears: Vignettes from regional history. Recent examples include a story about gangster Lucky Luciano's time at the prison in Dannemora; memories of the former girls' Moss Lake Camp; and an Elizabethtown man's Civil War odyssey.

Other departments include:

* Adirondack Made: Locally crafted products
* Kitchen: Distinctly Adirondack recipes
* Profile local: Individuals and families
* Historic Preservation: Important buildings and structures
* North Country: Catch-all
* Home: Crafts, skills or techniques of interest to homeowners
* Wildlife
* Watercraft: Pieces on boats, boatbuilders and boat-related events.
* Wilderness: Descriptions of specific wild places and observations about legal or environmental issues affecting wilderness areas
* Working: Stories of uncommon occupations in the Adirondack Park as well as characteristic employment.

The Annual Guide generally includes departments on:

* Hiking
* Biking
* Paddling
* Climbing
* Fishing
* Family activities
* Touring
* Access
* Learning

Send queries and manuscripts to Annie Stoltie, editor, Adirondack Life, P.O. Box 410, Jay, NY 12941. We accept queries, but not unsolicited manuscripts, via e-mail: astoltie@adirondacklife.com.

More information here.